Service Carry?

[truthisfreedom]

I saw a similar article a few days ago but for some reason, my search still isnt working. I am still on the hunt for my very first firearm (which will also be my first CCW) and I have been seeing a LOT more used service models than sub compacts and I was wondering what you guys thought about carrying a 4in compared to a 3in. I'm not a little guy by any stretch of the imagination, 6'2 280 lbs and I dont wear skimpy little clothes, so I didn't think it would be very hard to carry a slightly bigger gun. I know some people like to carry 1911s and I was reading earlier about toting around an XD tac model, so its obviously possible to carry a gun larger than a SC . It would also be much easier on my bank account if I could get a used XD (college is really f'in expensive).

If I wear mostly button up dress shirts, sometimes tucked but mostly not, would a shoulder rig with a service model be able to hide adequately without printing a grip under my arm? I have been checking out some of the crossbreed holsters and some desantis holsters and I feel like the way I sit and the way I wear my clothes would make a crossbreed small of back holster very comfortable (though I've also read what could happen if you are knocked onto your back...ouch...). I got a bit of a belly on me and I imagine a holster in the front of my pants or the side (IWB) would be slower for me to draw. The kangaroo soft shoulder holsters looked pretty comfortable ( and pretty inexpensive ) so that could be another option too.

Any comments from the wise XDtalk members?

[Frenchy]

You'll find the barrel length makes little difference in concealed carry. it's the grip that you need to be concerned with.

[truthisfreedom]

Yeah, I was just referring to the models by barrel length because of the difference in grip length between the Sub Compact (3in) and the Service (4in) I was just using the the terms interchangeably. I guess theres the 4in compact for .45 also right? Is the grip on the .45 compact the same size as the 9mm/.40 Sub? or maybe inbetween the size of the SC and the Service?

[truthisfreedom]

By the way... RON PAUL 08! I'm just going to leave the country if Mr. "Bomb Iran" gets anywhere near the white house, thats a can of worms I don't want to see opened. I won't even waste my breath on the two remaining democratic nominees...CFR anyone? my god...sorry back to guns haha

[mhillsing23]

Welcome to XDTalk. I have both the Service and SC. I carry either in a newly acquired Supertuck. I will carry the Service when I can, but the SC is a LOT easier to conceal for me. The Service was my first XD and I couldn't be happier with its feel and performance. I always thought that the SC was just too small. That is, until I got my hands on one. I really didn't expect to like the SC as much as I do. If you are going to carry, and want to be able to carry in pretty much any situation, then the SC is for you. The Service can obviously be carried, but you will probably find yourself wishing it concealed better with this or that. The Service is my favorite gun period. But, for carry the SC is just more versatile.

[AggieChemDoc]

You and I are almost the same size. I have the XD40SC, and carry it IWB with a Desantis Tuck This with no problems. I carry at 4:00 and don't even know it's there.

[Scott LaRoe]

I carry my 4 inch service daily

love it but would like to get a XD-9 SC


Scott

[CC Packing Company]

I carry a 45 service in a Supertuck, but I've only had my CCW a short time, so I've been able to cover it with a vest or jacket. It may be a different story when it warms up.

[chromechicken]

I carry one of three guns: .40 XD service, a 1911, or a Taurus snubbie .44 Special, none of which are all that compact. I am 5'10" and 175lbs. If you want convenience, get a small gun. If you want to, you can carry any full-sized gun (within reason) with no problem.

[Caribou]

Originally Posted by CC Packing Company

I carry a 45 service in a Supertuck, but I've only had my CCW a short time, so I've been able to cover it with a vest or jacket. It may be a different story when it warms up.

I carry a Service XD40, and I'm in the same situation. I've only had my permit during cool/cold weather, so I haven't had to deal with warm weather clothing.

That said, I carry IWB in a homemade "Crossbreed-style" holster at 4-5 o'clock. I'm 6'4", 210 lbs, and it conceals pretty good with a tucked-in button down shirt. I just have to be careful with the normal stuff: bending, reaching. No slouching in my chair! I bet the SC grip would be really easy to conceal for me though, so I'm considering the grip chop!